Queer ⁞⁞ Movie Spotlight

Taking place in 1950s Mexico City, Queer follows William Lee (Daniel Craig), an American immigrant in his 40s living in a small American community. Lee spends his days living a mostly solitary life, while also battling drug addiction. His hobbies include seeking sex with willing locals, never getting to truly know them, including a young man (Omar Apollo) he meets in a bar. Lee shares some interaction with fellow queer American expats like his friend Joe Guidry (Jason Schwartzman), and frequent bar patron John Dumé (Drew Droege). When Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a young student and former soldier, crosses his path by chance, Lee becomes instantly enamored. It's not long before the two connect at the bar, sharing drinks and cigarettes. This connection puts Lee on a journey to believing he may actually be capable of fostering an intimate connection with another person. Lee & Eugene's relationship turns sexual and they spend more and more time together. As their connection moves outside of the bedroom and they start traveling together, Lee's heart opens even more. However, he remains haunted by strange dreams, and after a trip to the jungle leads them to try hallucinogens that Lee believes will unlock telepathy, the intensity between them reaches a climax. Lee's drug trip leads him to the conclusion that Eugene is not queer like him. In the end, Lee's haunting, drug-affected dreams take too strong of a hold and it's revealed that in his old age he was left alone. The film stands as an exploration of the human condition affected by isolation, loneliness, and depression.